Football fans were shocked when Real Madrid decided to sell Mesut Ozil to Arsenal for a reported fee of £42.5 million in the summer of 2013. Ozil was considered one of the best playmakers in the world at that time and had played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s success in recent years.
So why did Madrid sell him? Let’s take a closer look.
The Emergence Of Isco
One of the main reasons behind Madrid’s decision to sell Ozil was the emergence of Isco as a potential star player. The Spanish youngster had already shown his potential at Malaga and was signed by Madrid as a long-term replacement for Kaka. Isco quickly established himself as an important player in Madrid’s midfield, and his impressive performances convinced the club that they could let go of Ozil without compromising their chances of success.
Isco’s emergence made Ozil expendable.
Ancelotti’s Tactical Changes
Madrid also underwent some tactical changes under new manager Carlo Ancelotti which meant that there was less space for Ozil to operate in midfield. Ancelotti preferred a 4-3-3 formation with two deep-lying midfielders and a more attacking midfielder playing ahead of them. This system suited players like Luka Modric, Xabi Alonso, and Isco more than it did Ozil.
Ancelotti’s tactical changes meant that there was less space for Ozil to operate.
The Financial Aspect
Another reason why Madrid sold Ozil was because they needed to balance their books after spending heavily on Gareth Bale. The Welshman had just joined Madrid for a world-record fee, and the club needed to recoup some money by selling players who were deemed surplus to requirements. In this case, it was Ozil who had to be sacrificed.
Madrid needed to balance their books after spending heavily on Gareth Bale.
Ozil’s Contract Situation
Finally, Ozil’s contract situation also played a role in Madrid’s decision to sell him. The German playmaker had just one year left on his contract, and negotiations for a new deal had stalled. Madrid didn’t want to risk losing him for free the following summer, so they decided to cash in on him while they still could.
Madrid didn’t want to risk losing Ozil for free the following summer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there were several reasons why Madrid decided to sell Mesut Ozil to Arsenal. Isco’s emergence as a star player, Ancelotti’s tactical changes, the financial aspect of the Bale transfer, and Ozil’s contract situation all played a role in this decision. While it was certainly a controversial move at the time, Madrid have since gone on to win several major trophies without Ozil and have established themselves as one of Europe’s top teams once again.